Mary Mae Dembowski Mostek
Mary Mae Dembowski Mostek, 95, of St. Paul, formerly of Farwell, died Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Brookefield Park Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation in St. Paul.
Mass of Christian Burial was held on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Farwell. The Reverends Vince Parsons and Dave Rykwalder concelebrated the Mass, assisted by Deacon Phil Lukasiewicz.
Lectors were Wendy Perry, Amanda Ernst, and Amber Kuck.
Julie Dush was the musician.
Selections included “Amazing Grace,” “I Know That My Redeemer Lives,” “Gifts of Finest Wheat,” “Ave Maria,” “Song of Farewell,” and “How Great Thou Art.”
Cathy Galvan, Cindy Koperski, Sarah Merchant, Jenna Josjor, Emily Mulinde, Jennifer Bangert, Rebecca Papst, Ashley Usasz, and Heather Furstenau were the gift bearers.
David Dembowski, Brad Dembowski, Andrew Galvan, Hunter Lassen, Tyler Merchant, and Kody Kuck were the casket bearers.
Burial was in the St. Anthony’s Catholic Cemetery near Farwell.
Memorials are suggested to St. Anthony’s Catholic Cemetery or the Alzheimer’s Association.
Peters Funeral Home of St. Paul is assisting the family.
Mary was born November 16, 1930, in Ord, the daughter of Darold and Valeria (Golka) Luddington. She grew up in several communities, attending various schools before graduating from St. Paul High School in 1948.
Mary was united in marriage to Virgil Dembowski on June 1, 1948, in St. Paul. To this union six children were born. The couple first lived in St. Paul before moving to Omaha. In 1958, they moved their family to Commerce City, Colorado. In 1966, they moved to Farwell, where they owned and operated the Sip N’ Eat Tavern until retiring in 1991. Over the years, Mary worked as a waitress in various cafés and supper clubs. Virgil died on January 26, 2002.
Mary continued living in Farwell until being united in marriage to Leonard Mostek on May 11, 2004, in St. Paul. The couple enjoyed five years of marriage. Leonard died on October 3, 2009.
Mary’s memberships included St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Farwell; ZCBJ Fraternal Lodge No. 152 of Farwell; the Grand Island Diocese Council of Catholic Women; the Council of Catholic Women at St. Anthony’s; and involvement in the Grand Island Diocese Deanery; Mary was a longtime member of Alcoholics Anonymous and was very instrumental in helping many others to become alcohol free with her love, compassion and understanding.
Mary’s hobbies included fishing, camping, playing cards—especially King’s Corner and pitch— traveling, and spending time with her grandchildren.
Mary is survived by her children and spouses: Larry and Mary Dembowski of Omaha, Joe and Connie Dembowski of Grand Island, Joan Koperski of Farwell, Shiron and Pete Johansen of Loup City, John and Teresa Dembowski of Keene, and Valerie and Tony Papst of Farwell; twenty grandchildren; forty great-grandchildren; and seventeen great-great-grandchildren.
Mary is also survived by her stepchildren and spouses, Linda Hopper of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, Larry and Marlene Mostek of St. Paul, Terry and Rosanna Mostek of Grand Island, Steve and Kim Mostek of Grand Island, Pam and Ralph Hammack of Lincoln, Cindy and Todd Peters of St. Paul, and Lisa and Kim Jensen of St. Paul; sixteen step-grandchildren; twenty-five step-great-grandchildren; and fifteen step-greatgreat- grandchildren.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Virgil Dembowski and Leonard Mostek; brother, Vern Luddington; son-in-law, Larry Koperski; grandson, Jamie Johansen; granddaughters, Laura Lassen and Stacey Dembowski; and step sonin- law, Joe Hopper.
Condolences and memories may be shared with Mary’s family at www. petersfuneralhome.net.
The Phonograph-Herald | February 18, 2026